Despite having already assumed the costs for a monument to Beethoven in Bonn, Liszt's spiritual affinity for Beethoven also moved this greatest piano virtuoso of the nineteenth century to pay an even finer tribute: a superlative set of piano transcriptions of the master's nine symphonies.

Liszt's brilliant and sensitive transcriptions enabled 19th century audiences and amateur pianists to become acquainted with Beethoven's works even when no orchestras were available. Indeed, the great pianist's capacity for translating orchestral effects into pianistic terms was nothing short of astonishing.

This volume contains the first five of the nine works, reproduced from the original plates authorised by Liszt himself. A memorable tribute from one musical genius to another, these compositions will delight pianists and music lovers alike.